Munchak: McCarthy playing like a 10-year vet

Rookie middle linebacker Colin McCarthy has only three NFL starts, but Titans Coach Mike Munchak thinks the fourth-round pick from Miami is playing like a seasoned veteran.

McCarthy was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday after recording 11 tackles, two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble and a pass defensed in Tennessee’s 23-17 win at Buffalo.

“One thing about him is that he’s had pretty good poise since he’s been playing,” Munchak said. “He’s just very comfortable. He’s one of those guys you put in and you go, ‘He looks like he’s been there for 10 years.’

“I’ve had linemen that have been that way. You put them in and you go, ‘Man, that guy just fits right in.’ Like when I put (Michael) Roos in there. The first day he came into practice in mini-camp, Roos went over to right tackle and you thought, ‘Oh yeah, he’s starting.’ There was just no doubt.”

McCarthy has forced a turnover in three straight games. In the win over the Bills, he stripped the football from quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and recovered it. Said Munchak: “It shows you what kind of player he is. He makes a great hit on the quarterback, the ball comes out and he recovers it when it’s 10 yards away.”